Casey Affleck addresses sexual harassment criticism

Casey Affleck is upset people object to his Oscar victory due to allegations he sexually harassed two women.

The star’s performance as a bereaved brother in Kenneth Lonergan’s film Manchester by the Sea won him the Best Actor prize at Sunday’s (26Feb17) Academy Awards ceremony.

However the decision to honour him sparked criticism as in 2010 Amanda White, the producer of the mockumentary film I’m Still Here and its cinematographer Magdalena Gorka sued him alleging he had sexually harassed them during filming.

He denies the allegations but settled the cases in October that year (10).

Speaking to The Boston Globe newspaper, Affleck insisted he objected to all forms of sexual harassment but was aware questions about his conduct would continue.

“I believe that any kind of mistreatment of anyone for any reason is unacceptable and abhorrent, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect in the workplace and anywhere else,” he said.

“There’s really nothing I can do about it. Other than live my life the way I know I live it and to speak to what my own values are and how I try to live by them all the time.”

Casey, Magdalena and Amanda, who first worked with the actor on the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, are prohibited from talking about the details of what occurred by the provisions of the legal settlements.

I’m Still Here followed Casey’s brother-in-law Joaquin Phoenix’s apparent attempt to abandon his acting career to become a rapper.

During filming, the duo pretended that Joaquin’s hip-hop aspirations and outlandish behaviour were real.

The actor split from Joaquin’s sister Summer in March last year (16).

Among those objecting to the 41-year-old being honoured was The Office writer B.J. Novak, who like the actor hails from Boston Massachusetts.

“Can we check Best Actor again,” B.J. tweeted after Casey’s win was announced.

The star’s brother Ben won one of his two Academy Awards for co-writing Good Will Hunting, and Casey is proud to join his brother as an Oscar winner.

“It seems crazy,” he said. “It must be nice for Mom. I’m pretty proud of all the things Ben’s done, and I’m incredibly proud of the fact the Academy honored me in this way.”